Denver Broncos Offense: overview

Cowboys Rushing offense

Neutral matchup vs. the Broncos defense.

Ezekiel Elliott had a successful Week 1 amidst all of the recent controversies, rushing for 104 yards on 24 carries as he helped secure the Cowboys victory. Elliott was the clear leader of this backfield as he out-snapped Alfred Morris 60-to-8. Darren McFadden was surprisingly inactive for Week 1. The Cowboys offensive line also looked as dominant as usual, even against a stout Giants defensive line.

The Cowboys will be in for yet another challenge in Week 2 as they face the elite Broncos defense. Last week, the Broncos held Melvin Gordon to 54 yards on 18 carries with no touchdowns. After some early success with his first two carries, the Broncos defensive front proceeded to limit Gordon to only 28 yards on 16 carries. While the Broncos were vulnerable to the run last season, they looked solid in the season opener with Von Miller looking as elite as ever. This will be a big challenge for the league’s top rushing offense.

Cowboys Passing offense

Bad matchup vs. the Broncos defense.

The Cowboys do not typically need to rely much on their passing attack with Dak Prescott under center. The game script in Week 1, however, was more pass heavy than usual, with Prescott attempting 39 passes—tied for the second most in a game during his short NFL career. We saw Prescott struggle with this uptick in pass attempts, particularly with his deep shots as he rarely connected outside of one big play to Brice Butler. Dez Bryant was covered up by Janoris Jenkins for most of the night, allowing for Terrance Williams to lead the team in receiving yards with 68. Jason Witten led the team in receptions with seven while accounting for the Cowboys’ only passing touchdown.

The Broncos own one of the league’s best passing defenses, led by elite cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris. Cole Beasley will be in for a challenge out of the slot, while Dez Bryant will often be covered up by Aqib Talib. Starting Safety Darian Stewart and cornerback Brendan Langley both left with injuries in Week 1 and are questionable coming into this week. While those injuries are worth watching, neither will have a big impact on this matchup as the Cowboys receivers will be in for a challenge either way.

Broncos Rushing offense

Neutral matchup vs. the Cowboys defense.

The Broncos rushing attack looked great in Week 1 with C.J Anderson in the lead role. Anderson rushed 20 times for 81 yards compared to Jamaal Charles with 10 carries for 40 yards. Combined, they averaged over four yards per carry—a very solid showing. Anderson out-snapped Charles 48 to 21. Anderson’s day could have been even more successful had a touchdown run in the third quarter not been called back due to a penalty.

The Cowboys did not have much of a rushing threat to defend against when facing the Giants in week 1, so the Broncos more balanced offense should present the Dallas’ defense with more of a test. The Cowboys defensive line suffered some losses during the offseason, and their one addition in Taco Charlton did not have the best of games in Week 1 as he failed to record a tackle despite playing 26 snaps. We are still in wait and see mode on this Dallas run defense due to their lack of a true test in Week 1.

Broncos Passing offense

Neutral matchup vs. the Cowboys defense.

Trevor Siemien managed the Broncos to a win in Week 1, passing for 219 yards and two touchdowns while showing very impressive mobility throughout the game that included a rushing touchdown in the second quarter. Demaryius Thomas was Siemien’s favorite target, nabbing five of eight targets for 67 yards. Siemien connected with slot receiver Bennie Fowler for both passing touchdowns, while Emmanuel Sanders had a relatively quiet evening as he struggled against the Chargers cornerbacks.

The Cowboys secondary came into the season with some question marks after losing four defensive backs in the offseason, but they had a solid outing in Week 1 with a significant amount of support from a strong pass rush. Orlando Scandrick suffered a broken bone in his hand and had to leave in the second quarter, however, Anthony Brown stepped in and did a fine job in Scandrick’s absence, allowing only one catch while tacking on an interception. Scandrick’s status is worth monitoring, as both Emmanuel Sanders and Bennie Fowler see a bump in value if he sits.